Source: ZACC, Zimra bust lithium smuggling syndicate – herald
Sunday Mail Reporter
A JOINT operation between the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) and the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) has uncovered a well-coordinated lithium smuggling syndicate involving locals and a foreign national.
ZACC has already arrested a local businesswoman. The net is also closing in on other accomplices, who are still at large.
Tsitsi Manyumwa, a director at Kunshan Mineral Consultancy (Pvt) Limited, was recently arrested by ZACC for contravening Section 189 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act and the Base Minerals Export Control (Unbeneficiated Base Mineral Ores) Order, 2023.
It is alleged that Manyumwa, acting in connivance with Simbarashe Shaza, a clearing agent who is still at large, and Li Dewen, a foreign national who is also on the run, hatched a plan to fraudulently export lithium ore to China through the Forbes Border Post.
They allegedly used six haulage trucks between May 15 and 17, 2026 to collect cargo containers from MSC to transport lithium ore from CEVAFRICA Logistics in Harare.
The ore was transported to the Forbes Border Post on May 20, where two trucks were intercepted by ZIMRA officials after misrepresenting that they were carrying empty containers.
After questioning, the drivers admitted to carrying lithium ore, leading to seizure of the trucks. Further investigations revealed that one of the drivers had a Mozambican transit declaration form indicating he was transporting lithium to Beira.
Four of the six trucks reportedly returned to Harare after it was realised that two had been busted.
Subsequent investigations led to the recovery of two containers on June 18, 2026.
Another truck was intercepted in Goromonzi and seized at a BAK storage facility.
Investigations further established that on May 28, 2026, a container and cargo were trans-shipped to another haulage truck in Msasa.
The truck reportedly proceeded with the consignment, and the driver was handed fraudulent export documents by Simbarashe Shaza, which enabled him to exit Zimbabwe.
Investigations established that the syndicate cloned an expired Bikita Minerals and Zim Alloy-Chrome export permit for petalite concentrate to facilitate the smuggling of 204 tonnes, although only 34 tonnes were successfully shipped out. Manyumwa has since appeared before Harare magistrate Ruth Mutare. He was remanded to July 23, 2026 on US$1 000 bail. Takudzwa Jambaya represented the State.
The lithium ore that was seized was valued at US$100 000. ZACC spokesperson Ms Simiso Mlevu said the commission is working with ZIMRA in investigating cases of smuggling.
“The commission complements the Government policy banning exportation of raw minerals, including lithium, through interagency cooperation and collaboration.
“We are collaborating with ZIMRA in monitoring cargo and investigating suspected cases of smuggling. This is intended to deter would-be smugglers,” she said.
Local beneficiation
The Government recently banned the export of lithium and other precious minerals in raw form. Since the ban, ZACC and ZIMRA have been monitoring all border posts to prevent the shipment of lithium ore or concentrates.
The interventions are meant to maximise export earnings, create skilled jobs and establish Zimbabwe as a regional battery minerals processing hub.
The Government and the private sector are presently investing in advanced mineral laboratories, which are expected to improve mineral valuation, boost beneficiation and maximise export earnings. Lithium producers have collectively invested about US$6,1 million in advanced mineral laboratories.
Bravura, Bikita Minerals, Kamativi and Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe have all spent US$1 million each on laboratories, while Gwanda Lithium and Sabi Star have invested US$850 000 and US$810 000, respectively. Sandawana is also finalising its facility at a cost of US$200 000.
The investments will help to determine the composition of mineral ores.
Lithium, for example, contains associated minerals such as tantalum, caesium, tin and feldspar, which command premium prices.
Without sophisticated analysis, these minerals can remain unrecovered, resulting in lost revenue.
Mining analyst Mr Walter Sakala said the recent development marks an important evolution in Zimbabwe’s mining sector.
“Historically, mining in many developing countries focused primarily on extracting the headline mineral while overlooking associated minerals that could significantly improve project economics,” he said.
“Laboratories change that equation because they provide precise data on everything contained in the ore body.”
Zimbabwe has emerged as one of the world’s most important lithium producers, attracting more than US$3,45 billion in investment over the past few years. The country’s hard-rock lithium deposits have drawn major global investors including Sinomine Resource Group, Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt, Chengxin Lithium Group, Kamativi Mining Company, Bravura Zimbabwe, Gwanda Lithium and Kuvimba Mining House.
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